I have been wanting to start a new series on my blog of all my favorite places and things to do in San Diego. I have lived here my entire life and with it being such a popular travel destination I think this could be super helpful!
This past week my girl friends and I tried a new restaurant in town. It was so cute, unique, and fun that I couldn’t wait to share about it. So here we are, the first post of this series: all my favorite places to eat in San Diego!
Since we live in the northern part of San Diego, many of these recommendations are going to be in this area. However I am sure there are soooo many great places to try downtown as well! I broke it down by category so you can easily find what you are looking for.
Bon appetit!
Breakfast / Brunch
Potato Shack – Pancakes as big as manhole covers! Yum!
Pannikin – A converted railroad station, this breakfast spot has so much charm! We like to grab a coffee and pastry then sit outside and people watch along Coast Hwy.
The Goods – Pinterest worthy donut spot in Carlsbad. Seriously so cute!
Senior Grubby’s – Great any time of day but my favorite is their breakfast burritos.
Tip Top Meats – A local butcher shop, international market, and authentic German restaurant. Great breakfast with all the meat you can eat.
Lunch
Crack Shack – Fun spot for chicken and egg dishes. They have lawn games and cocktails too!
The Taco Stand – Handmade tortillas and fresh ingredients make their tacos some of the best in San Diego! They have multiple locations in San Diego.
In N Out – Probably the #1 lunch destination for people coming from out of state. Try getting your fries extra crispy or animal style (google it!).
Rubios – If you like fish tacos, this is the spot for you! Quick Mexican food with multiple locations around town.
Pelly’s – Fresh fish straight off the boat. Often times you will even see the fisherman walking in with coolers of fish. Eat there or take some fish home.
Grubby’s Poke Bowls – Create your own poke bowl. Jeff describes it as: fast, fresh, and a Friday night favorite. Ha!
Dinner
Chart House – One of our favorite restaurants, dinner right on the sand! They have by far the best views! We also like to sit in their bar for happy hour menu. Fun fact: I used to work here in high school.
Norte’s – Hands down my favorite local sit down Mexican food place. Close to the beach, large portions, super affordable, and strong margaritas. Also has a fun bar area. Great for lunch too! They recently changed their name, but the locals still call it Fidel’s.
Masters – In a transformed drag car shop, this super trendy restaurant has great food and cocktails. I actually came here for my birthday a few years ago, love this spot!
Brigantine – We always come here after a day at the Del Mar Racetrack! Great food and even better views!
Local Tap House – A trendy spot with delicious food and drinks. People watch along Coast Highway.
Union – Fun restaurant along Coast Hwy with big open windows and edgy decor. I always order their gumbo, so good! This place is also great to stay late for drinks.
Drinks
San Diego is known as the “Craft Beer Capital of America” so definitely stop in any local brewery you see around town! They are all great!
Stone Brewery – We love to grab a glass of beer/wine and hang out in their gorgeous gardens. They have a restaurant and dinner menu here too, but we prefer coming for drinks.
Barrel Republic – This is a fun place for a group. Pour your own beer, wine, and ciders and pay per ounce tracked by a bracelet you wear. Great way to try new drinks!
Charles Kenneth Speak Easy – Located in the basement of a 130+ year old Inn, this was an actual speak easy during prohibition. Super cool vibe and fancy cocktails. Get the daily “password” by following them on Instagram.
Shelter – Open air ceiling with beautiful and spacious booths. In the heart of downtown Encinitas. Get there early before the late night crowds.
Kid Friendly
Park 101 – This is our go-to spot since it’s super close to our house! Faux turf area with games for kids and they occasionally play movies on a giant projector. Cotton candy with every kids meal. Multiple bars with great selection.
Landon’s – A restaurant with on-site childcare?! Yes, please! Our kids love playing in there and we can watch them through the window while we eat in peace.
Bagby – This is another spot we visit often. Great open space for kids to run wild while parents can enjoy a beer or wine. Good bar-type food.
Cucina Enoteca – Super trendy Italian restaurant where kids can make their own pizza!
Dessert
Handels – Homemade ice cream with a few locations. They change up their flavors often.
Baked Bear – Customize your own ice cream sandwich!
I will continue to update this as we try new places and discover new favorites!